- Music
- 16 Feb 24
Check out our favourite Irish releases of the week below!
Leila Jane, 'Love Will Come Rushing'
‘Love Will Come Rushing’ marks the latest release from emergent singer-songwriter Leila Jane. Tempered by thunderous bass and world music sounds, the track boasts a forthright, otherworldly vibe with production duties shared between Jane and Sam Stevenson (Still Searching).
Ethereal and urgent, ‘Love Will Come Rushing’ is a Valentine’s Day offering that concerns the knowledge of one’s worth by holding out for a deserving love.
‘Love Will Come Rushing’ sees the songstress challenging pop conventions with an alternative bent and sugary hooks, channelling the spirit of influences such as Angel Olsen and Miley Cyrus.
Advertisement
RikShaw, ‘Where Has The Time Gone’
Dublin’s RikShaw comes to terms with a fleeting sense temporality on his Mac Miller-inspired comeback single ‘Where Has The Time Gone’ and after a long hiatus, the alt-rapper has evidently fulfilled his desire to “return to the stage as a more mature and reflective artist.”
“Last year I really thought I would never release again, I had no motivation or drive left,” he said. “Through that dark period, I still found myself thinking I more to give, and from this ‘Where Has The Time Gone was born.’ A track where I reflect on my life and how I feel time is always slipping away as I go through the motions.
Advertisement
Suga Knuckle, ‘Bone To Break’
After a string of releases culminated in their debut EP Sucker for Punishment in September 2023, Suga Knuckle set their sights on 2024 with the hook-riddled ‘Bone To Break’. Paying homage to the grunge soundscapes of the ‘90s, the band also sprinkle in some modern pop sensibilities for good measure - as the song’s delicious power chords intertwine with the melodic account of a failing relationship.
"’Bone to Break’ has quickly become a new favourite among us as a band and with fans at our shows,” said Suga Knuckle. “It’s a real earworm that gets stuck in your head for days on end and we’re quite proud of how infectious it can be."
Molly Vulpyne, ‘Romantic’
Right on time for Valentine’s Day - Molly Vulpyne continues her foray into solo artistry with her second single ‘Romantic’. The singer is joined by Meryl Streek and Tony Carberry, who hold down the rhythm section on this heartbeat-raising anti-love song which emanates vintage punk.
Advertisement
“Lyrically it started to veer off and sound almost dark, so I ran with it,” said Vulpyne. “Around the time I was writing it, I got into tarot cards and learning to interpret their meaning, a lot of the inspiration came from that. I wanted the song to sound one way, but it took me down a different path."
7th Obi, ‘barcelonarizona’
Born in Nigeria, raised in Waterford and based in the UK, 7th Obi engages in some cross-continental lovemaking with his energetic electro-rap track ‘barcelonarizona’ – where modern autotuned vocals dictate the tale of a relationship which has seemingly lost its spark - “we could go again, but it’s nothing like the first time” he professes.
“I’ve been really enjoying the process of songwriting so much over the last few months,” said the rapper on social media. “This is really a form of therapy for me.”
Advertisement
Colm Warren, ‘Alright’
Fresh from his lauded displayed the National Concert Hall, Derry native Colm Warren brings forth his latest heart-rending single ‘Alright’.
Synergetic guitars and an elegant string arrangement buttress Warren’s typically wistful lyricism – culminating in an earworm chorus which is as reassuring as it is resounding.
A suitably beautiful video accompanies the track. Depicting the ups and downs of a mother and daughter relationship, the stunningly shot film follows their lifelong journey through familial conflict, loneliness, support and ultimately, love.
Advertisement
WILDES, ‘Lay Upon Me’
Anglo-Irish musician Ella Walker conjures an intense rumination on her demands of love with her softly produced, ethereal new single ‘Lay Upon Me’. The song is taken from her upcoming self-produced EP Subsidence, mixed by Adele and Florence & The Machine collaborator Matt Wiggins.
"Lay Upon Me is a manifesto for love, laying down my wants and needs," said the songwriter. "While there is underlying fear and delicacy, and almost a disclaimer that I need to be handled gently, it’s a hopeful and romantic declaration that I am proud to make."
Citing PJ Harvey and Patti Smith as core inspirations, WILDES’ upcoming project promises to showcase an “alluring sonic evolution” in her artistry. Her debut album was released last year to critical acclaim and featured a collaboration from alt-pop legends The Flaming Lips on the song ‘True Love.’
Advertisement
PiNKSLiPS, ‘Ambidextrous’
Northern Ireland's PiNKSliPS continue to build up steam with ‘Ambidextrous’. Sonically, the song is a gritty, anthemic power-rock tune with painful yet empowering lyrics inspired by singer Gerry Norman's upbringing in Sligo, where he was "set upon by a local thug who proceeded to beat Gerry with both his left and right to impress some of his friends."
As the band prepare to go on tour to coincide with the release of the track, they reflect on the excitement and terror felt in equal measures facing down crowds outside of their home town : "I believe people can relate to my lyrics and it’s a beautiful thing to get into a room together and scream those lyrics at each other," said Norman. "Having a room packed to the rafters when the band is rocking out and everyone is singing along? It’s life affirming.”
Taylor D, 'Can't Say I Love You'
Taking inspiration from Arctic Monkeys' recent showstopping gigs in her hometown, Taylor D has released her newest track entitled ‘Can’t Say I Love You’. This tune is a pop-rock delight, with desire-filled lyrics flirtatiously sending an “I’m in love with you” hint.
Advertisement
The Dubliner has continued to make her mark on the scene since winning the Irish Youth Music Awards in 2021, the President Gaisce Award for music in 2022 and First Choice Radio UK Artist of the Year in 2022 and 2023. In October, she brought her repetoire of singalong balladry to the Hot Press Y&E series with a memorable live set.
John Hynes, 'From the First'
Acclaimed for his soulful melodies and poignant lyricism, Irish singer-songwriter John Hynes is back with his Valentine’s Day single ‘From the First.’ Finding inspiration in the niches of baroque pop and tender folk, the love song explores themes of parenting and modern manhood, offering heartfelt and relatable narratives about maturing relationships.
"There is a book by Karl Ove Knausgaard which is about his time trying to make it as an author, as a stay at home parent, the break up of a relationship, and the beginning of a new one, and the birth of his children,” said Hynes. “And being a not very openly emotional type, I used to think I was really cool by refusing to use the word 'love' in any of my songs… which is ridiculous. For what else is there to write about but LOVE?! Once I had that title in mind, there was never an alternative."
Advertisement
Hugh Green, 'Latest Mistake'
Dublin-based Scotsman Hugh Green explores the intricacies of doomed love with his latest single ‘Latest Mistake.’ Finding inspiration in greats like Tom Petty, Neil Young and Joni Mitchel, Green’s natural musicality and raw talent is undeniable, pairing rustic vocals with vivid storytelling.
Finding his start in the music industry as a DJ, he made the seamless transition into acoustic songwriting during COVID, with his first five singles landing on several Irish radio stations. After successfully launching his debut album Demons at Dublin’s Cobblestone Pub last month, Green is gearing up for his next performance at Freehills Tavern, Crumlin, on March 16.
Harmon Road, 'Narrow Street'
Advertisement
Harmon Road is the alt-folk trio we’ve been waiting for, releasing their debut single ‘Narrow Street’ earlier today. The family band is made up of renowned alt-rocker and seasoned solo artists Marc O’Reilly and his siblings Pierre and Melanie.
Drawing inspiration from the likes of Fleetwood Mac, The Staves and Crosby, Stills and Nash, the Irish three piece highlights the beauty of small town life. With poignant lyricism, angelic harmonies and expert accompaniment on guitar and piano, ‘Narrow Street’ is a story of growth born from the trio’s unique sibling bond.
Amble, 'Of Land and Sea'
Amble are starting 2024 off strong with a new four-track EP entitled Of Land and Sea. The project's stunning title track is a trad-tinged folk ballad that highlights tha band's expansive sound and remarkable musical talent. Exploring the group’s ruminative observations on the world, ‘Of Land and Sea’ finds beauty in the mundane stories that unfold around us everyday.
Made up of Robbie Cunningham, Oisin McCaffrey and Ross McNerney, the Irish three-piece has amassed over 135k monthly Spotify listeners in the short ten months since arriving on the scene. After playing sold-out headlines at The Workman’s Cellar and The Sugar Club, Amble are now preparing to embark on their first tour of the UK and Ireland, selling out each venue five months in advance.
Advertisement
The Line, 'Sacrifice is so Passé'
The Line, also known as Meltybrains?'s Brian Dillon, continues the momentum from his hugely impressive collaborative album Red Blood Cells and Righteousness with 'Sacrifice is so Passé - an otherworldly track which will have the listener getting lost in its rich sonic layers.
“'Sacrifice Is So Passé' is a reflection on some of the problems of contemporary life and the fact that many of those problems are disguised as positives," said Dillon of the track. "Modern technology has given us the opportunity to see anything we want to see, any time we want to see it…'Sacrifice Is So Passé' is a suggestion that not everything from the past needs to be rejected.”
Advertisement
Fears, '11249' feat. Jemima Coulter and Ailbhe Reddy
Fears, a.ka. Constance Keane is a London-based Irish artist, musician and producer. Her newest song ‘11249’ featuring Jemima Coulter and Ailbhe Reddy is delightfully delicate and when combined with the neon colours of the accompanying music video, creates a uniquely soothing audio visual experience.
Fears will be playing in Dublin on April 3 at The Sugar Club. Following that she will be back in London at London Oslo on May 1 for another show. Keane is renowned for minimalistic and deeply personal work, as well as her immersive and engaging live shows.
Conor Furlong, ‘Teenage Fantasies’
Inspired by the musical legends of the early 90s, Conor Furlong’s recent release ‘Teenage Fantasies’ brings the golden age of pop music into a modern soundscape. Drawing on the works of influential artists like David Bowie and Paul Simon, Furlong expertly blends the nostalgic pop-rock sounds of the 90s with today’s music trends.
Advertisement
“I wanted a song that sounded like it might have been recorded then but for it to also sound modern,” Furlong said of the recent release. “I wanted to make something that felt uplifting but also long for a time that seems lost to the modern era of phones and the internet.”
CHERYM, ‘Binary Star’
Derry’s CHERYM have firmly established themselves as one of the North’s most exciting rising bands with their debut LP Take It Or Leave It. The album brims with attitude, rife with delicious pop-punk melodies, socially conscious lyrics and a crunchy instrumentation.
Somewhat of a deviation from their usual style is ‘Binary Star’, a stripped-back acoustic ballad which flaunts Hannah Richardson’s sweet northern twang and knack for confessional songwriting – with an anthemic chorus thrown in to boot.
“Fun and infectious from start to finish,” said Hot Press’ Edwin McFee on the project. “CHERYM’s debut is cracker.”
Advertisement
Mary & The Pigeons, ‘Like Rain’
Acclaimed musician and curator Mary Barnecutt returns with ‘Like Rain’, the first single from Mary & The Pigeons’ upcoming LP. A spooky, pulsating number, the harp-based track also features unnerving and lush strings, serving to mirror the lyrics describing the uncontrollable flow of water as “a metaphor for unruly desire”.
“We used some unconventional vocal harmonies (inspired by Caroline Shaw) to create a sense of unease and added harp and glock for sparkle,” said Barnecutt of the track.
Mary & The Pigeons much-anticipated sophomore album drops on March 1, 2024, and follows up from their debut Into Air, which was released in 2016.
Advertisement
Robert Grace, ‘Euphoria’
Kilkenny multi-instrumentalist and producer Robert Grace adds another notch to his ever-extending belt of radio-ready bangers with ‘Euphoria’. The tune is typically massive sounding and melodic - the upbeat music juxtaposing with the heart-wrenching lyrics discussing the songwriter’s apparent inability to hold on to the good things in life.
Offering a helping hand with the writing of the tune are Ryan Mack, Jake Richardson and Grace’s young son Lincoln – who apparently provided a “sprinkle of genius”. The signer is known for having used social media to help build up his audience, and has racked up over 3m followers on TikTok alone.
Trophy Wife, ‘Partygirl’
Fans of Phoebe Bridgers will undoubtedly take a liking to Dubliner Trophy Wife, a.k.a Ruby Smith. Merging her distinct alt-rock chops with inspiration from the greats of yesteryear, her latest single ‘Partygirl’ features a Steely-Dan flavoured earworm of a chorus.
“When I wrote this song I was in a period where I was really looking at myself and my life and realising, I could no longer run, I had to really stare myself in the face and ask myself some hard questions,” said Smith.
Advertisement
“I was trying to evoke the mood of being in the next room at a shit party or school dance, feeling very alone in a place full of people and stimulus - almost de-realised but present enough that you are in the moment.”
Plantain Papi, ‘Still Healing’
Plantain Papi has shared his debut project Still Healing, which boasts an electrifying title track. ‘Still Healing’ reveals the Nigerian-born, Irish-raised producer’s masterful blend of hip-hop, grime and R&B channelled through the lens of afrobeats.The song sees the artist surrender to his emotions, spawning a stirring and heartrending end product.
Pioneering a genre deeply rooted in his heritage, Plantain Papi has attained massive success in the last few years. He's performed at the 3Arena supporting afrobeat figurehead Burna Boy, in addition to slots at Longitude, Trinity Ball and All Together Now. With his latest offering ‘Still Healing,’ Plantain Papi emerges from his debut project as one of the hottest acts on the scene.
Advertisement
SWELTR, ‘About'Chu’
North Dublin rock-duo Sweltr released their latest single ‘About’Chu’ this week, just in time for Valentine’s celebrations.
Wrapped in intricate lyricism, the song’s melody unfolds with captivating guitar and rhythm sections. Navigating the delicate balance between outward appearances and unvoiced thoughts, it paints a vivid picture of inner complexities. With tremulous surf-rock riffs and propulsive bass lines, the dynamic track builds and swells with each successive measure.
Things end on a note of melodic reflection, inviting a deep connection with the emotions expressed throughout the song and as the intensity swells at the end.
Advertisement
Kyla Belle, ‘Heart First’
If you’re in need of an anti-Valentine's Day anthem after this week, Kyla Belle has you covered. ‘Heart First’ is a captivating, exhilarating track that seamlessly blends pop and rock sensibilities. Infused with raw emotion and defiance, the song boldly challenges typical romance narratives.
With infectious melodies and powerful lyrics, Belle takes listeners on a journey towards self-empowerment and celebrates the strength of individuality in the face of societal expectations.
The singer has made a name for herself around the Dublin music scene, maintaining a popular Youtube and TikTok presence and busking on Grafton Street. With ‘Heart First,’ the singer is well-placed to continue her meteoric rise in 2024.
Twin Headed Wolf — ‘The Rain’
Advertisement
Sonic time travellers Twin Headed Wolf share new single ‘The Rain’ ahead of their forthcoming album Altarwise, out 29 Feb. Spiritual and atmospheric, the track sees the sibling duo turn the archaic into the contemporary.
They experimen with timelessness, incorporating forgotten soundscapes into their music and inventing contexts of their very own, outside of timely reference points. With an eye to the past, ‘The Rain’ positions Twin Headed Wolf in a new direction, engrossed in the numerous influences which colour their sound.
‘The Rain’ encompasses a gothic-folk darkness lifted by the ethereal blood harmonies and a host of whirring tones and experimental textures effortlessly woven into the tune’s fabric.
Ger Eaton, ‘Season Changes’
Composer, multi-instrumentalist and The Pale alum Ger Eaton returns with ‘Season Changes,’ an ethereal offering which channels dark obliquity with hypnotic sequences and echoing arpeggios.
Advertisement
The impetus for writing 'Season Changes' came from a newly strung guitar and a late-night rewatch of The Wicker Man. The artist described the song as a narrative of a failing relationship “from the glowing bloom of its Spring, gradually ebbing away to its wintry conclusion.”
Brooding with dark romanticism and gothic mythos, ‘Season Changes’ is accompanied by a video — filmed in a Kildare cemetery — apropos of the song’s melancholic airs.
SexyTadhg, 'Ride The Wave'
A pulsating track about tenacity in the face of anxiety, ‘Ride The Wave’ marks the latest release from Irish provocateur and intergalactic rock-star SexyTadhg.
Boasting manic electronic soundscapes and synth brass tones, ‘Ride The Wave’ invokes the art-rock stylings of St. Vincent melded with Jessie Ware’s disco-groove cadences. Carried by SexyTadhg’s electrifying vocal presence, their sumptuous track levitates with a pumping rhythm that loops and builds as it progresses.
With a stripped-back bridge, the song is brought down to its most basic elements as it layers back in vocals, synth, brass and percussion before blasting into a powerhouse chorus. Speaking on this build-up, Tadhg says: "Here, anxiety and its victim become one in a turbulent, almost nuclear reaction. The growling synth bass and a sharp slamming snare drum bite and roar as anxiety itself commands you to ‘Give me your body, let go of the reins, let go of your worries, and Ride the Wave.’”
Advertisement
Fizz, 'High In Brighton - Acoustic'
Fizz has released their Acoustic EP, which contains three acoustic versions of songs from their 2023 album The Secret To Life. One of which is their track ‘High In Brighton’ - a delicate version of the original song where the marvellous vocals of Orla Gartland, Dodie Clark, Greta Isaac and Martin Luke Brown can be heard.
The two other tracks on the EP are acoustic versions of their songs ‘Close One’ and ‘As Good As It Gets’. The Fizz are currently on tour and will be in Dublin this Sunday, February 18 at Vicar street.
Advertisement
Lemonade Shoelace ‘THINK!’
'THINK!' follows Lemonade Shoelace's critically acclaimed previous single ‘Soul Syndrome’ and builds a kaleidoscopic sonic landscape of his psychedelic influences. The track shifts into the world in the indie to alternative to psych-swooner. Describing the track the Co. Down artist Ruairí Richman says: The gesture I wanted to put across in the song is that of not having to question your actions towards someone you love.” ‘THINK!” is the antithesis of a lovesick track - is an acid love song that will have you swooning your way into the weekend.
Robbie Strickland, ‘Time to Say Goodbye to My Old Self’
A thought provoking coming of age song, ‘Time to Say Goodbye to My Old Self’ is a Mac DeMarco inspired track off of Robbie Stickland’s debut LP Lastingness which the musician says “ is a made up word, it doesn’t mean anything but it sounds damn good on the tongue.” ‘A Time to Say Goodbye to my Old Self’ veers slightly from Stickland’s usual offering of lo-fi longing and yearning because there’s a degree of closure and acceptance in the track. The song isn’t fictitious, everything works together like well oiled machinery. ‘Time to Say Goodbye to My Old Self’ is the ultimate easy listening track this Friday.
Advertisement
Sano Hill, ‘Not That Kind of Love Song’
The critically acclaimed Irish singer songwriter Sano Hill is back, this time with a whole LP entitled If Not Now, When? for us to feast our ears on. However one track ‘Not That Kind of Love Song’ stands out. A timeless acoustic guitar track, ‘Not That Kind of Love Song’ lilts and serenades the listen. A soothing offering, the tune is a more mature take on the pining melodramatic adolescent genre, the kind from a musician who’s seen a bit life before penning his work. Hill says of If Not Now, When? that the album follows the story of of a singer-songwriter developing his craft, and the ups and downs of a relationship.
Rowdy Outsider, ‘When You're Gone’
Advertisement
A punk trio from Drogheda, Rowdy Outsider could very well be Ireland’s answer to blink-182 with their high energy pop punk offerings. ‘When You're Gone’ is no different, complete with high energy guitar playing, and anthemic vocals. A Valentine's day release- ‘When You’re Gone’ is truly the single for angsty lovelorn singles. It’s the kind of track you wish you heard as a teen or when you were going through that brutal college situationship. At least now, it’s in your backpocket for the next time you are down bad.
Kevin Quigley, ‘Soul Sold’
A self described ‘wild singer-songwriter’ from Ireland, ‘Soul Sold’ embodies the singer’s footloose and fancy free ways. If Americana could be made Irish, Kevin Quigley has cracked the code with his warm guitar lead track. Part rock, part country, part folk- ‘Soul Sold’ is 100 percent feel-good and will leave you feeling affirmed with Quigly’s storytelling centring around the human heart. If you are looking for a foot stamper this weekend, ‘Soul Sold’ has got you covered.
Advertisement
Moncrieff, ‘Kiss Me’
One of Moncrieff’s most intimate songs, ‘Kiss Me’ sees the Irish artist bare his soul in a way his stadium pop bangers haven’t done yet. A stripped back affair, Moncrieff’s dulcet vocals shine through on ‘Kiss Me’. The story behind ‘Kiss Me’ is a sad but relatable one, it’s the story of being in a relationship that you know needs to end but you don’t have the courage to pull the plug. The release is part of Moncrieff’s commitment to release nine songs before his debut album comes out later this year. With one release every two weeks, the musician is on a tight schedule but given that ‘Kiss Me’ is number 5 - fan’s don’t have long to wait now till his debut album is theirs.
Niall Horan, ‘You Could Start A Cult [Live From Spotify Studios]’
Advertisement
The teenage boyband heartthrob has long since left his dazzling pop career and traded it in for meaningful acoustic tracks. Niall Horan’s live performance of ‘You Could Start A Cult’ is a breathtaking sentimental track that will move listeners.The track is a love song for when you completely buy into a relationship, no reservations or concerns just complete and utter devotion. Horan’s saccharine vocals and paired back production let this earnestness shine. ‘You Could Start a Cult’ also includes a surprise harmonica solo- a nod to the folksy sound of Bob Dylan.
Sinéad Harnett, 'Thinking Less'
'Thinking Less' begins with a shimmering mellow guitar that sounds more like precipitation than plucking. Floating over a lush soundscape, Sinéad Harnett airs a failed love and sets the track’s empowering tone.
Reminiscent of SZA’s meandering vocals or Summer Walker’s subdued phrasing, Sinéad Harnett’s voice is resplendent and fiercely urgent under her delicate, cursive expression. Harnett’s phrasing scintillates over the stripped-back, unfussy instrumental which unravels and bends to meet and carry raw, reflexive lines: “It's crazy how you think I got all this time / Sit around, wonder the reasons why, but I / I'm thinkin', thinkin' less of you.”
‘Thinking Less’ is break-up banger meets femme-fatale anthem, a dazzling meditation that mines the depths of a past love to determine that breaking hearts is an act of radical self-care.
View this post on Instagram
Advertisement
Tomike, 'By The River'
The electronic stylings of Tomikes’ new single ‘By The River’ is sure to make a splash in the house music scene. This Dublin based neo-soul artist creates a unique blend of digital beats and breezy vocals to make for a song that makes anyone want to get up and dance.
Tomike is in the process of creating a plethora of new music starting with this track. The artist continues to draw inspiration for people like Erykah Badu and Sade. She promises that more music will be released on Friday June 9.
Becky McNeice, ‘Alive’
Advertisement
Hailing from Northern Ireland, Becky McNeice is a rising star in the alternative pop scene. Her mixture of catchy lyrics with her effortlessly fun melody will make the track a fan favourite. However, if you listen closely you can hear melancholy undertones that add a layer of heartache to the piece.
With her combination of sad lyrics and powerful instrumentals, 'Alive’ is the perfect addition to McNeices’ discography. McNeice will be performing on March 16 for Goal Next Gen, St. Patrick's Day events at The Festival Quarter At Collins Barracks.
View this post on Instagram
Emileo, 'Northside Lament (self-contempt)'
Effortlessly blending eastern and western influences, Berlin-born, Morocco-reared and Dublin-based artist Emileo has delivered another lush gem with her new single ‘Northside Lament (self-contempt).’ A whirlwind of tumbling vocals and resonant synths, the worldly singer-songwriter’s latest release immerses listeners in a soundscape that is uniquely her own.
“My newborn ‘Northside Lament (self-contempt)’ just opened her eyes to this world there, her skin soft and warm like sweet baby ass,’ Emileo wrote on social media following the single’s release.
Advertisement
Dermot Kennedy, 'Lucky'
Back with yet another pop-belter, Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy serenades listeners with his newest romantic ballad ‘Lucky.’ A deeply personal follow-up to the 2023 releases ‘Two Hearts’ and ‘Sunday,’ Kennedy’s new track is a heartfelt testament to intimacy and partnership, giving fans a ringing endorsement of love two days after Valentine’s Day.
“I hope you can feel how much this one means to me,” Kennedy wrote on his social media. “Some of my favourite lyrics I’ve written. If you’re lucky enough to feel love, don’t ever take it for granted, and take care of it.”
Advertisement
TCXL, '(Wicklow Bitch Give Me) Bray Head'
Following two explosive mixtapes, recorded with little more than an iPhone mic, Navan-based rapper and producer TCXL kicks off 2024 with an explosive new track entitled ‘(Wicklow Bitch Give Me) Bray Head.’ Featuring hard-hitting trap beats atop a tropical soundscape, the rapper’s latest single highlights the rampant absurdities within modern Irish masculinity.
Arriving on the scene at age 18, TCXL’s music, initially hit with digital ambivalence as an early victim of the pandemic, has evolved into an unflinching display of madcap energy and lyrical brilliance. With a cult-like following, the Navan rapper’s unpolished sound is a testament to his stellar musical instincts.
Bklava and bullet tooth, 'Makes Me (Wanna Move)'
Bklava continues to mark herself as a thrilling force in electronic-dance music with her newest single, ‘Makes Me (Wanna Move).’ Created alongside DJ and producer bullet tooth, the track serves as the first release from the Irish-Lebanese singer’s upcoming mixtape, a 14-track gem entitled ‘cu l8r.’
Advertisement
“It’s my first project of this magnitude,” Baklava said of the forthcoming collection, “and it’s my truest body of work to date. What started as a means to fill my sets with more underground music that I have been producing a lot of, has developed into a concept piece - my ode to the club culture that shaped who I am today.”
Husk, 'Born Again'
Husk seamlessly blends Irish trad and electronica in their latest single ‘Born Again.’ Weaving between English and Gaelige, the synth-pop songster delivers a perfect combination of earworm melodies, 80’s synths and propulsive beats atop a bed of flute and whistle rolls.
"I really wanted to listen to some Irish trad, but was so in the mood for some electronic beats & synths too, but it didn’t exist; so I made it!” said Husk. “Every time I say that I make Gaelic Electro-folk, people are so curious, but I work with some incredible Irish talent, and I promise, it works… I’m English born, but I owe it to my ancestors, to my heritage, to my friends, and the community to help spread the Irish language and honour traditional Irish music."